North Okanagan

RCMP in Salmon Arm have taken down a significant marijuana grow operation on a rural property near Sorrento.

Police raided the property Wednesday where they found a sophisticated commercial marijuana grow operation with approximately 7,000 plants in various stages of growth.

The grow-op, located on an 80 acre parcel of land off Wells Bank Road was discovered in an underground bunker constructed under a hay shed.

The residence on the property has been designed to facilitate a marijuana grow operation.

The grow operation is believed to be part of a larger network of grow operations that local RCMP have been investigating.

A 52-year-old male from Sorrento will be facing charges of Production of a Controlled Substance.

"The presence of large scale production grow operations of this nature are a telltale sign of the presence and activity of organized crime, which brings with it a variety of risks and dangers posed to the law abiding citizens in our communities," says Salmon Arm detachment commander, Kevin Keane.

"If you suspect illicit activity in your area please report it to your local police service."